Best Historic Houses to Visit: Red House

Venture south of Bexley Heath to find an oasis of garden design and historic architecture at Red House

Best Historic Houses to Visit: Red House

Red House is not your average stately home. Forget formal, Palladian architecture or established rows of family portraits, William Morris' old home became an arty commune for some of our finest 19th century artists.

Just a stone's throw from London, Red House was commissioned by the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris. Designed by the architect Philip Webb, and visited by a host of Pre-Raphaelite artists from Edward Burne-Jones, to Dante Gabriel Rossetti, to Ford Madox Brown, it’s no surprise Red House is prized as a rare example of domestic architecture and garden design.

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The walled garden, orchards and red brick paths contribute to the sensation that you’re in a hidden oasis amidst suburban Bexleyheath, and with games, trails, and picnics welcome in the orchard, there’s loads to keep kids entertained. The café in Morris’ original kitchen is complete with Arts and Crafts-style furniture, and we love the higgidy pies. The gift shop in the Coach House sells Morris & Co. design stationary, ceramics, textiles and books.

Don’t miss the Pre-Raphaelite wall painting or Morris’ early floral designs in the bedroom, discovered in 2013.

Practical

Price: Free for National Trust Members. Non-members for grounds and house: adult £8 and child £4